The one thing Steph McNeil has always known is that kindness matters.
It’s a philosophy she’s determined to pass on to the next generation – one she lives out by trying to be the reason someone smiles each day.
“You’re never going to be everyone’s person, but I think even if they don’t like you, you are kind and would be there for them in any capacity if they needed you,” Steph said.
Roots of kindness
Steph grew up in Camden, New South Wales, as the eldest of three children.
At 10, she moved to Currumbin on the Gold Coast – a shift that brough both change and challenge, including adjusting to a school more than twice the size she was used to.
From a young age, she stepped into a nurturing, almost motherly role, often drawn to caring for younger children.
She credits much of this to watching her aunt and uncle, whose kindness left a lasting impression.
“I remember thinking what good humans they are to be nice to kids,” she said.
“I always wanted to be one of those people.”
Finding her calling
At 15, Steph entered the workforce alongside her parents in landscaping and pool construction – a hands-on start that shaped her work ethic and resilience.
Although she knew she wanted to be a mother, it was during her teenage years that Steph began considering a career working with children.
In 2010, she took that step, completing a Bachelor of Education at Griffith University.
During her placements in primary schools, her natural ability didn’t go unnoticed.
Despite being perfect for the role, no positions were available, and she was encouraged to find a permanent job in a childcare centre.
Taking that advice, Steph completed her diploma at Southbank Institute of Technology, specialising in teaching children aged zero to five years.
She began working in early childhood education in 2013.
“I was like, ‘This is where I want to be’,” she said.
Steph developed a passion for supporting children’s social and emotional wellbeing, spending 13 years as an early childhood teacher before life led her in a new direction.
A life built on love
Steph met her future-husband Nathan in 2009 on a night out in Broadbeach.
“I remember thinking that I’ve never felt this comfortable around a new person before,” she said.
The couple married in 2019 at Providence Farm Hall in Beechmont and now have two children, Luna and Harley.
Four years ago, they moved to Canungra – the small country town reminded Steph of her childhood in Camden.
She was drawn to its quiet charm and close-knit community, especially the opportunity for her children to attend a smaller school like Canungra State School.
Turning compassion into action
In 2024, Steph’s close friend Aimee Carr received devastating news – her four-year-old daughter Ellie had been diagnosed with cancer.
Steph’s instinct was to help in the way she knew best – through storytelling.
“I love reading books to kids and I notice how powerful it was as a conversation starter,” she said.
“When I looked, they didn’t have one I liked. There were a lot of themes of insecurities, and I was like, ‘She doesn’t need this’.”
So, Steph created her own.
Where’s Ellie’s Hair?, illustrated by her cousin Mike Hancock was originally a personal gift – but its impact quickly grew.
Encouraged by overwhelming community support, Steph published the book, selling more than 1,200 copies.
Proceeds have helped Ellie’s family, other children facing similar diagnoses and charities including Canungra Community Cancer Care.
She is now working on a companion book, Where’s Noah’s Hair?, inspired by another young boy’s cancer journey.
Steph and Aimee are also preparing to take part in the Mystery Box Rally in October, raising further funds for the Cancer Council.
Life now
In 2026, Steph is teaching at Canungra State School, returning to her roots in primary education.
Alongside teaching, she continues to focus on her books and support families facing similar challenges – using kindness, as she always has, to make a difference where it matters most.
